US Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office confirmed. The South Carolina Republican, known for his hawkish foreign policy and pivotal role in shaping the conservative Supreme Court, passed away in Washington DC.
Trump Leads Tributes
President Donald Trump was among the first to honor Graham on Truth Social, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot.” In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Trump highlighted Graham’s role in confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, stating, “I don’t think he could have gotten through without Lindsey.”
Vice-President JD Vance praised Graham’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful lawmakers, noting his sense of humor and fierce dedication. “He fought like hell for the things he believed in,” Vance wrote on X.
Details of His Death
Graham’s office described the cause as a “brief and sudden illness.” The Washington Post reported a call at 8:30am near his DC home regarding a cardiac arrest. The news came shortly after his return from a trip to Ukraine and just before Congress was set to reconvene on Monday.
Trump said he spoke with Graham on Saturday after the senator returned from Ukraine, advising him to rest. “I thought he was just gonna live forever, and it didn’t work out that way,” Trump added.
Reactions from Home State and Former Presidents
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called Graham “irreplaceable,” describing him as “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America.” Former President George W. Bush remembered Graham as a knowledgeable senator who understood the importance of American engagement against tyranny.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed a heavy heart, alluding to Graham’s long service in the Air Force and Congress, which made him a strong advocate for the US and allies globally.
International Tributes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was “deeply saddened” and called Graham “a true defender of freedom.” Zelenskyy noted that Graham visited Ukraine ten times since Russia’s 2022 invasion and was working on initiatives for peace, including stronger sanctions against Russia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed sadness, highlighting Graham’s belief in the alliance and his efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Graham “a true friend and partner of Germany.”
Legacy and Upcoming Legislation
Texas Congressman Michael McCaul credited Graham with a new Russia sanctions bill set to be introduced in the Senate, saying, “I think in his honor that we owe it to Lindsey Graham to pass that tough Russian sanctions bill.” McCaul noted Graham’s belief in Reagan’s “peace through strength doctrine.”
